Antenna assemblies for medical applications

ABSTRACT

A device for directing energy to a target volume of tissue includes a monopole antenna assembly that includes a monopole antenna radiating section having a monopole antenna element surrounded by a dielectric material. The monopole antenna assembly also includes a ground plane disposed at a proximal end of the monopole antenna radiating section, wherein the ground plane is configured to direct energy into the target volume of tissue.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/250,171, filed Oct. 13, 2008, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to antennas and, more particularly, to electrosurgical devices with antenna assemblies suitable for use in tissue ablation applications.

2. Discussion of Related Art

Treatment of certain diseases requires destruction of malignant tumors. Electromagnetic radiation can be used to heat and destroy tumor cells. Treatment may involve inserting ablation probes into tissues where cancerous tumors have been identified. Once the probes are positioned, electromagnetic energy is passed through the probes into surrounding tissue.

In the treatment of diseases such as cancer, certain types of cancer cells have been found to denature at elevated temperatures that are slightly lower than temperatures normally injurious to healthy cells. Known treatment methods, such as hyperthermia therapy, use electromagnetic radiation to heat diseased cells to temperatures above 41° C. while maintaining adjacent healthy cells below the temperature at which irreversible cell destruction occurs. These methods involve applying electromagnetic radiation to heat, ablate and/or coagulate tissue. Microwave energy is sometimes utilized to perform these methods. Other procedures utilizing electromagnetic radiation to heat tissue also include coagulation, cutting and/or ablation of tissue.

Electrosurgical devices utilizing electromagnetic radiation have been developed for a variety of uses and applications. A number of devices are available that can be used to provide high bursts of energy for short periods of time to achieve cutting and coagulative effects on various tissues. There are a number of different types of apparatus that can be used to perform ablation procedures. Typically, microwave apparatus for use in ablation procedures include a microwave generator, which functions as an energy source, and a microwave surgical instrument having an antenna assembly for directing the energy to the target tissue. The microwave generator and surgical instrument are typically operatively coupled by a cable assembly having a plurality of conductors for transmitting microwave energy from the generator to the instrument, and for communicating control, feedback and identification signals between the instrument and the generator.

Microwave energy is typically applied via antenna assemblies that can penetrate tissue. Several types of antenna assemblies are known, such as monopole, dipole and helical. In monopole and dipole antenna assemblies, microwave energy generally radiates perpendicularly away from the axis of the conductor. Helical antenna assemblies have two main modes of operation: normal mode (broadside) and axial mode (endfire). In the normal mode of operation, the field radiated by the helix is maximum in a perpendicular plane to the helix axis. In the axial mode, maximum radiation is along the helix axis.

A typical helical antenna is illustrated in FIG. 1 and includes a conducting wire 100 that is coiled to form a helix having an axis 120 and backed by a conducting ground plane 110. The basic geometrical parameters that define a helical antenna include the diameter D and circumference C of the helix, where C=ΠD, the number of turns N of the helix, the center-to-center spacing S between turns, the pitch angle α, where α=arc tan (S/ΠD), and the axial length A of the helix, where A=N×S. When the circumference of the helix is small compared with the axial length and the wavelength, the helical antenna radiates in the normal mode (similar to dipole antenna radiation). When the helix circumference is about one wavelength, the helical antenna operates in the axial mode. Typically, a helical antenna radiates in the normal mode when C<0.4λ (λ is the wavelength) and in the axial mode for approximately 0.75λ<C<1.3λ.

During certain procedures, it can be difficult to assess the extent to which microwave energy will radiate into the surrounding tissue, making it difficult to determine the area or volume of the target tissue that will be ablated.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to a device for directing energy to a target volume of tissue including a monopole antenna assembly that includes a monopole antenna radiating section having a monopole antenna element surrounded by a dielectric material. The monopole antenna assembly also includes a ground plane disposed at a proximal end of the monopole antenna radiating section, wherein the ground plane is configured to direct energy into the target volume of tissue.

The present disclosure also relates to a device for directing energy to a target volume of tissue including a ground plane and a number of monopole antenna assemblies N, where N is an integer greater than 1. Each monopole antenna assembly includes a monopole antenna radiating section having a monopole antenna element surrounded by a dielectric material, wherein a proximal end of each monopole antenna radiating section is electrically coupled to the ground plane. The device also includes a power splitter to drive energy into each of the N monopole antenna assemblies, wherein the power splitter is electrically coupled to each monopole antenna element.

Objects and features of the presently disclosed antenna assemblies will become readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art when descriptions of embodiments thereof are read with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the basic geometry of a helical antenna;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a helical antenna assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the helical antenna assembly illustrated in FIG. 2 showing the transmission pattern in axial mode;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a helical antenna assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an electrosurgical device including three helical antenna assemblies, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a helical antenna assembly, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of a portion of the helical antenna assembly shown in FIG. 6A taken along the lines II-II;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the helical antenna assembly of FIG. 6B;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the helical antenna assembly of FIG. 6B shown with a dielectric material located in an interior of the helical antenna element, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9A is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a helical antenna assembly, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 9B is a perspective view of a portion of the helical antenna assembly shown in FIG. 9A;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the helical antenna assembly of FIG. 9B shown with a circulating fluid, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11A is a schematic diagram of yet another embodiment of a helical antenna assembly, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 11B is a perspective view of a portion of the helical antenna assembly shown in FIG. 11A;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method for directing energy to a target volume of tissue, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 13A and 13B are schematic diagrams of a helical antenna assembly including a moveable shell, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a helical antenna assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, positioned at the surface of the target tissue, prior to the operation of the helical antenna assembly;

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of a monopole antenna assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the monopole antenna assembly of FIG. 15 showing the transmission pattern;

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of the monopole antenna assembly of FIGS. 15 and 16, positioned in the target surgical site, schematically illustrating thermal effects of microwave energy radiated into a portion of biological tissue;

FIGS. 18A and 18B are schematic diagrams of electrosurgical devices including multiple monopole antenna assemblies, according to embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of an electrosurgical device including multiple monopole antenna assemblies, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, positioned in the target surgical site, schematically illustrating thermal effects of microwave energy radiated into a portion of biological tissue.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the presently disclosed antenna assemblies will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Like reference numerals may refer to similar or identical elements throughout the description of the figures.

As used herein, the phrase “ablation procedure” generally refers to any ablation procedure, such as microwave ablation or microwave ablation assisted resection. As used herein, the term “microwave” generally refers to electromagnetic waves in the frequency range of 300 megahertz (MHz) (3×10⁸ cycles/second) to 300 gigahertz (GHz) (3×10¹¹ cycles/second). As used herein, the phrase “transmission line” generally refers to any transmission medium that can be used for the propagation of signals from one point to another.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide electrosurgical devices for treating tissue and methods of directing electromagnetic radiation to a target volume of tissue. Embodiments may be implemented using electromagnetic radiation at microwave frequencies or at other frequencies. A helical antenna assembly, according to various embodiments, is capable of radiating in axial and normal modes at different stages during the course of a procedure, such as an ablation procedure. Tissue can be ablated around the antenna's radiating section and distal to the radiating section without repositioning the helical antenna assembly. Multiple helical antenna assemblies can be employed in variously arranged configurations. For example, multiple helical antenna assemblies can be placed parallel to each other to substantially simultaneously ablate a target volume of tissue.

Various embodiments of the presently disclosed helical antenna assembly are suitable for microwave ablation and/or for use to pre-coagulate tissue for microwave ablation assisted surgical resection. Although various methods described hereinbelow are targeted toward microwave ablation and the complete destruction of target tissue, it is to be understood that methods for directing electromagnetic radiation may be used with other therapies in which the target tissue is partially destroyed or damaged, such as, for example, to prevent the conduction of electrical impulses within heart tissue.

An electrosurgical device including a helical antenna assembly, according to various embodiments, can be used initially in an axial mode to perform ablation distally, and subsequently in a normal mode to perform ablation in areas surrounding the antenna's radiating section. Alternatively, the electrosurgical device can be used initially in a normal mode to perform ablation in areas surrounding the antenna's radiating section, and secondly in an axial mode to ablate in distal areas. It is to be understood that the duration of axial and normal modes of operation and the sequencing of axial and normal modes of operation may be varied depending on the particular application of the helical antenna assembly.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show a helical antenna assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 2, the helical antenna assembly 200 includes a helical antenna element 210, a ground plane 220, a connector 250 that is coupled to the helical antenna element 210, and a housing 230. Helical antenna element 210 can be formed of any suitable material, such as steel, beryllium copper or silver-plated copper. The outer diameter D of the helical antenna element 210 and the number of turns of the helical antenna element 210 may be varied depending on the particular application of the helical antenna assembly. Housing 230 is formed of a dielectric or electrically non-conductive material, such as a non-conductive polymer. Housing 230 may be configured in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on a particular surgical purpose or to accommodate a particular surgical need. Referring to FIG. 3, the helical antenna assembly 200 is shown operating in an axial mode, whereby the transmission pattern 310 radiates outwardly from the distal end of the helical antenna assembly 200.

FIG. 4 shows a helical antenna assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 4, the helical antenna assembly 400 is shown positioned for the delivery of electromagnetic energy, such as microwave energy, to the targeted volume 480 of the tissue “T”. When the helical antenna assembly 400 radiates in an axial mode, as indicated by the downward arrow, a portion 443 of the tissue “T” is abated distal to the helical antenna radiating section. When the helical antenna assembly 400 radiates in the normal mode, as indicated by the left and right arrows, a portion 445 of the tissue “T” is abated around the helical antenna radiating section. The helical antenna radiating section will be described later in this disclosure with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B. A dielectric material, e.g., a dielectric gel, may be used between the helical antenna radiating section and the tissue “T” to improve coupling.

FIG. 5 shows an electrosurgical device including three helical antenna assemblies according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The electrosurgical device 500 includes a first helical antenna assembly 510A, a second helical antenna assembly 510B, a third helical antenna assembly 510C, and a housing portion 580 coupled to a transmission line 550. Housing portion 580 may be formed of any suitable material, such as metal or plastic or combination thereof. The shape and size of the housing portion 580 may be varied from the configuration depicted in FIG. 5.

Although first, second and third helical antenna assemblies 510A, 510B and 510C, respectively, extend longitudinally from the distal end of the housing portion 580 and are arranged substantially equally spaced apart and substantially parallel to each other, the number, shape, size and relative spacing of the helical antenna assemblies may be varied from the configuration depicted in FIG. 5. For example, an electrosurgical device may include six helical antenna assemblies, arranged in a two-by-three matrix, or other suitable pattern, to substantially simultaneously ablate a larger target volume of tissue. It is contemplated herein that an electrosurgical device may utilize any number of helical antenna assemblies (or any number of sets of one or more helical antenna assemblies), each helical antenna assembly (or set of helical antenna assemblies) being operable independently or substantially simultaneously with respect to any number of other helical antenna assemblies (or sets of helical antenna assemblies).

First, second and third helical antenna assemblies 510A, 510B and 510C may be axially rigid to allow for tissue penetration. For example, first, second and third helical antenna assemblies 510A, 510B and 510C may be sufficiently small in diameter to be minimally invasive of the body, which may reduce the preparation time of the patient as might be required for more invasive penetration of the body. As shown in FIG. 6A, a helical antenna assembly 600 includes a tip 665, which is advantageously configured to facilitate penetration of tissue. The first, second and third helical antenna assemblies 510A, 510B and 510C may also include tip portions. The helical antenna assemblies 510A, 510B and 510C are inserted directly into tissue, through a lumen, such as, for example, a vein, needle or catheter, placed into the body during surgery by a clinician, or positioned in the body by other suitable methods. The electrosurgical device 500 may include any combination of helical antenna assemblies (e.g., 510A, 510B and 510C) and/or monopole antenna assemblies (e.g., 1920 shown in FIG. 19).

Electrosurgical device 500 may include a power splitter (not shown), disposed within the housing portion 580, to drive energy into each of the first, second and third helical antenna assemblies 510A, 510B and 510C. Transmission line 550 is coupled to an electrosurgical generator (not shown) for generating an output signal. A first frequency f₁ is used for axial mode (first wavelength λ₁) and a second frequency f₂ is used for normal mode (second wavelength λ₂,). For example, λ₂ may be approximately two to three times larger than λ₁ and the circumference C of the helix may be in the range of about 0.8λ₁ to about 1.2λ₁ and such that C<0.4λ₂.

Referring to the embodiment shown in FIG. 6A, the helical antenna assembly 600 includes a helical antenna radiating section 660 and a tip portion 665. Tip portion 665 is advantageously configured for penetrating tissue. Although the surfaces of the tip portion 665 shown in FIG. 6A are generally flat, that surfaces of the tip portion 665 according to various embodiments may be curved or may include a combination of flat, sloped or curved portions. The shape and size of the tip portion 665 may be varied from the configuration depicted in FIG. 6A. The helical antenna radiating section 660 includes a helical antenna element 610, a sleeve member 621 located at the periphery of the helical antenna element 610 coaxially with the helical antenna element 610, and a shell 630 located at the periphery of the sleeve member 621. Helical antenna element 610 may be formed of a shape-memory material, such as copper-zinc-aluminum-nickel, copper-aluminum-nickel and/or nickel-titanium (NiTi) alloys, e.g., to adjust shape of the helical antenna assembly 600 with different temperature perfused fluid.

FIG. 6B shows the helical antenna radiating section 660, which corresponds to the portion of the helical antenna assembly 600 in FIG. 6A taken along the lines II-II. In one embodiment, the sleeve member 621 is formed of a dielectric material and may include a material that has variable dielectric constant, or adjustable dielectric constant, so that effective wavelengths will vary between the axial mode and the normal mode of operation. In one embodiment, the helical antenna radiating section 660 includes a second dielectric material 880 (see FIG. 8) disposed to the interior of the helical antenna element, wherein the sleeve member 621 and the second dielectric material 880 have substantially similar dielectric properties. Sleeve member 621 may be formed of an inflatable element, a shape-memory alloy element, magneto-electrical actuated elements, or other activateable elements to expand the helical antenna radiating section to varied dimensions. Shell 630 encircles the sleeve member 621 and may be formed of a conductive material to improve directionality and to reduce stray electromagnetic radiation emissions. In one embodiment, the shell (1320 shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B) is adapted to be slideably moveable along the periphery of the sleeve member (1360 shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B).

Referring to FIG. 6B, the helical antenna radiating section 660 includes a distal end 664. Helical antenna assembly 600 can be operated in the axial mode to perform a procedure on a first portion of a target volume of tissue, wherein the first portion of the tissue is located distal to end 664 of the helical antenna assembly 600. Helical antenna assembly 600 can be operated in the normal mode to perform a second procedure on a second portion of the target volume of tissue, wherein the second portion is located substantially adjacent to the helical antenna radiating section 660. It is to be understood that various sequences of axial and normal modes of operation may be utilized depending on the particular application of the helical antenna assembly 600.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the helical antenna assembly of FIG. 6B. FIG. 7 shows the helical antenna assembly 600 including the helical antenna element 610 enclosed by a first dielectric material 621, and the shell 630 which surrounds the length of the first dielectric material 621. First dielectric material 621 may include ferroelectric dielectric materials, which through applied DC voltage may allow control of the depth and spread of the power deposition pattern. Shell 630 may be formed of an electrically conductive material, e.g., metal, and may be used as the charge accumulation conductor generating the DC field, with the helix being the opposite electrode. Located to the interior of the helical antenna element 610 is a cavity 680. As described hereinbelow, interior cavity 680 may include a dielectric material disposed therein.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the helical antenna assembly of FIG. 6B shown with a dielectric material disposed to the interior of the helical antenna element, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The antenna assembly 800 of FIG. 8 is similar to the helical antenna assembly 600 shown in FIG. 7, except that the helical antenna assembly 800 includes a second dielectric material 880 disposed to the interior of the helical antenna element 610, i.e., instead of the interior cavity 680. In one embodiment of helical antenna assembly 800, the first dielectric material 621 and the second dielectric material 880 have substantially similar dielectric properties. In other embodiments, the dielectric properties may be substantially higher or lower in ∈_(r)′, ∈_(r)″ Second dielectric material 880 may include ferroelectric dielectric materials. Enclosing the helical antenna element 610 and the dielectric load, e.g., first and second dielectric materials 621 and 880, with conductive shell 630 may aid directionality of the helical antenna assembly 800. Shell 630 may be longitudinally divided into a plurality of electrodes with a dielectric material disposed between the electrodes, for beam steering, e.g., through ferroelectric manipulation.

FIGS. 9A and 9B show a helical antenna assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the helical antenna assembly 900 includes a helical antenna element 910, a fluid 922, an outer shell 930, and a tip 965. Tip 965 is advantageously configured to facilitate penetration of tissue. Helical antenna assembly 900 also includes an inner shell, located at the periphery of the helical antenna element 910 and surrounding the length of the helical antenna element 910, and two longitudinally formed partitions, which form a first channel 915 and a second channel 925 in the space between the outer shell 930 and the periphery of the helical antenna element 910. Each of the first and second channels 915, 925 are utilized to hold the fluid 922. In one embodiment, each of the longitudinally formed partitions include a number of openings formed therein for placing the first and second channels 915, 925 in fluid communication. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9B, the first and second channels 915 and 925 have substantially equal dimensions. Although two channels are shown in FIG. 9B, the helical antenna assembly 900 may include a single channel or multiple channels.

FIG. 10 shows a helical antenna assembly according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the helical antenna assembly 1000 includes a helical antenna element 1010 and an outer shell 1030. The helical antenna assembly 1000 also includes a first channel 1015 and a second channel 1025, which are similar to the first and second channels 915, 925 shown in FIG. 9B, except that the distal end portions of the first and second channels 1015, 1025 are adapted to allow fluid circulation in opposing directions, as indicated by the right and left arrows. Fluids having different dielectric constants ∈ are circulated around the helical antenna radiating section, and the effective wavelength changes depending on the fluid dielectric properties. The relationship between the circumference C of the helical antenna element 1010 and the effective wavelength A can be expressed by the equation I=C/(f×sqrt(∈)), where frequency f=1/λ. For example, in cases when the dielectric constant ∈₁ of a first fluid is in the range of about three to nine times the dielectric constant ∈₂ of a second fluid, 0.8λ₁<C<1.2λ₁ and C<0.4λ₂. In one embodiment wherein fluids are circulated around the helical antenna radiating section, and wherein helical antenna element 1010 is formed of a shape memory alloy, the fluid temperature is varied to change the shape of the helical antenna assembly 1100, for example, to assist with altering normal versus endfire mode.

FIGS. 11A and 11B show a helical antenna assembly 1100 that includes a housing 1165, a helical antenna element disposed with the housing 1165 and backed by a conducting ground plane 1120, and a connector 1150 which is coupled to the helical antenna element. Helical antenna assembly 1100 is shown operating in an axial mode, whereby the transmission pattern 1143 extends outwardly from the distal end of the helical antenna assembly 1100. Referring to FIG. 11B, the helical antenna assembly 1100 also includes a dielectric element 1180 and a cavity 1170 defined between the outer shell of the housing 1165 and the periphery of the dielectric element 1180. Cavity 1170 includes channels for holding a fluid, e.g., first and second channels 915 and 925 for holding fluid 922 as shown in FIG. 9B.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method for directing energy to a target volume of tissue, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In step 1210, a helical antenna assembly, e.g., 400, is positioned for the delivery of energy to the target volume of tissue. The helical antenna assembly 400 may be inserted directly into tissue (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4), inserted through a lumen, e.g., a vein, needle or catheter, placed into the body during surgery by a clinician, or positioned in the body by other suitable methods.

In step 1220, the helical antenna assembly is operated in a first mode (e.g., a normal mode) of operation to perform a first procedure on a first portion of the target volume of tissue, the first portion being located substantially adjacent to a longitudinal portion of the helical antenna assembly.

In step 1230, the helical antenna assembly is operated in a second mode (e.g., an axial mode) of operation to perform a second procedure on a second portion of the target volume of tissue, the second portion being located distal to an end portion of the helical antenna assembly.

FIGS. 13A and 13B show a helical antenna assembly 1300 including a moveable shell 1320 located at a periphery of a sleeve member 1360 coaxially disposed with respect to sleeve member 1360. Shell 1320 is adapted to be slideably moveable along the periphery of the sleeve member 1360 between a first position, in which an outer diametrical wall of the sleeve member 1360 is entirely covered by the shell 1320 (see FIG. 13A), and a second position, in which at least a portion of the outer diametrical wall of the sleeve member 1360 is exposed (see FIG. 13B). In one embodiment, when the helical antenna assembly 1300 is operated in the normal mode, the shell 1320 is positioned in the second position. In another embodiment, when the helical antenna assembly 1300 is operated in the axial mode, the shell 1320 may be positioned in either the first or second position. Shell 1320 shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B is a substantially cylindrically-shaped structure having an inner diameter “D_(I)”, which is larger than an outer diameter “D_(O)” of the sleeve member 1360. Shell 1320 may be slideably movable to various positions such that any portion of the helical radiating section of the helical antenna assembly 1300 may be exposed for radiating the tissue “T”.

FIG. 14 illustrates a helical antenna assembly 1400 that includes a helical antenna element 1440 disposed with a housing 1430 and backed by a conducting ground plane 1450 and a connector 1420, which is electrically coupled to the helical antenna element 1440 and a transmission line 1410. Helical antenna element 1440 may be configured as a dielectrically-loaded endfire helical antenna, which may be suitable for microwave ablation and/or for use to pre-coagulate tissue for microwave ablation assisted surgical resection. Helical antenna assembly 1400 may have an endfire radiation pattern similar to the endfire radiation pattern 310 of helical antenna assembly 200 shown in FIG. 3.

In one embodiment of helical antenna assembly 1400, a substantially cylindrically-shaped dielectric material is disposed within the housing 1430. The dielectric material within the housing 1430 may have a high permittivity such that the wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation, e.g., microwave radiation, transmitted by the helical antenna assembly 1400 is short enough to allow for a compact design. Helical antenna assembly 1400 may be configured in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on a particular surgical purpose or to accommodate a particular surgical need.

In one embodiment of helical antenna assembly 1400, the helical antenna element 1440 is formed of a shape-memory alloy, and the temperature of a fluid circulated around the helical antenna radiating section is varied to expand the circumference of the helical antenna radiating section and/or reduce the circumference of the helical antenna radiating section.

During various non-invasive procedures, the distal end of the helical antenna assembly 1400 may be placed in contact with the surface of a target tissue “T”. In this instance, the endfire power would allow for targeting of surface tissue “T” placed in contact with the helical antenna assembly 1400. Layers of various metals and/or dielectric around the substantially cylindrically-shaped dielectric material disposed within the housing 1430 may be utilized to improve power delivery and directionality into surface tissue “T” and/or provide for a sterilizable device. A dielectric material, e.g., a dielectric gel, may be used between the distal end of the helical antenna assembly 1400 and the tissue “T”, e.g., to improve coupling.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of a monopole antenna assembly 1500 that includes a monopole radiating section 1550 including a monopole antenna element 1510 surrounded by a dielectric material 1520 and backed by a ground plane 1530, a tip 1505, and a connector 1545, which is electrically coupled to the monopole antenna element 1510 and a transmission line 1540. Ground plane 1530 is configured to direct the electromagnetic radiation, e.g., microwave radiation, into the targeted tissue and may provide a boundary to define the resonant frequency of the monopole antenna assembly 1500. In one embodiment, dielectric material 1520 reduces the operating wavelength of the monopole radiating section 1550 and may buffer the microwave wavelength from tissue electrical property dynamics. FIG. 16 shows the transmission pattern of the monopole antenna assembly 1500.

FIG. 17 shows the monopole antenna assembly 1500 of FIGS. 15 and 16, positioned in the target surgical site, following the operation of the monopole antenna assembly 1500. FIG. 17 schematically illustrates thermal effects of microwave energy radiated into tissue “T”, whereby a portion 1770 of the tissue “T” is abated around the monopole antenna assembly 1500.

FIGS. 18A and 18B illustrate electrosurgical devices including multiple monopole antenna assemblies 1820. Components of the monopole antenna assemblies 1820 of FIGS. 18A and 18B may be similar to components of the monopole antenna assembly 1500 shown in FIGS. 15-17 (e.g., a monopole radiating section 1550 including the monopole antenna element 1510, dielectric material 1520, and tip 1505), and further description thereof is omitted in the interests of brevity. Various numbers and configurations of monopole antenna assemblies 1820 may utilize the same ground plane. For example, an electrosurgical device 1801 shown in FIG. 18A includes a substantially cylindrically-shaped housing 1810 configured with ten monopole antenna assemblies 1820 that are arranged substantially parallel to each other and which longitudinally extend from the distal end of the housing 1810. Referring to FIG. 18B, the electrosurgical device 1802 includes a substantially rectangular-shaped housing 1830 configured with sixteen monopole antenna assemblies 1820 that are arranged substantially parallel to each other in a longitudinally extending manner from the distal end of the housing 1830 and aligned in a pattern of rows and columns.

FIG. 19 shows an electrosurgical device 1900 that includes six monopole antenna assemblies 1920 that are commonly backed by a ground plane 1950. Each monopole antenna assembly 1920 includes a monopole antenna element 1930 surrounded by a dielectric material 1940. Ground plane 1950 is configured to direct the electromagnetic radiation, e.g., microwave radiation, into the target surgical site and may provide a boundary to define the resonant frequency of the respective monopole antenna assemblies 1920. The monopole antenna assemblies 1920 are inserted directly into tissue, through a lumen, such as, for example, a vein, needle or catheter, placed into the body during surgery by a clinician, or positioned in the body by other suitable methods.

Electrosurgical device 1900 also includes a power splitter 1950 that drives energy into each of the monopole antenna assemblies 1920, which is electrically coupled to each of the respective monopole antenna elements 1930. In one embodiment, power splitter 1950 is a microwave power splitter 1950.

Microwave power splitter 1950 may be implemented by any suitable power divider that provides substantially equal power split at all output ports. Microwave power splitter 1950 may be implemented by any suitable power divider that provides equal power split at all output ports while substantially maintaining phase and amplitude balance. For example, in one instance, the microwave power splitter 1950 implements using a 6-way power divider that provides equal power split at all output ports while maintaining a phase balance of <+/−10 degrees and amplitude balance of <1.5 dB.

Electrosurgical device 1900 also includes a connector 1965, which is electrically coupled to the power splitter 1950 and a transmission line 1960. Transmission line 1960 includes proximal and distal ends and may be suitable for transmission of microwave energy. The proximal end of the transmission line 1960 may be coupled to a microwave energy source (not shown), and the distal end thereof is in communication with the connector 1965 of the monopole antenna assembly 1900.

Although embodiments have been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings for the purpose of illustration and description, it is to be understood that the inventive processes and apparatus are not to be construed as limited thereby. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications to the foregoing embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. 

1-7. (canceled)
 8. A helical antenna assembly for directing energy to a target volume of tissue, comprising: a helical antenna element; an outer shell coaxially disposed about the helical antenna element; and a tip portion located at a distal end of the helical antenna element.
 9. The helical antenna assembly of claim 8, further comprising a sleeve member coaxially disposed about the helical antenna element.
 10. The helical antenna assembly of claim 9, wherein the sleeve member is formed of a dielectric material.
 11. The helical antenna assembly of claim 9, wherein the sleeve member is formed of an inflatable element, a shape-memory alloy element, or a magneto-electrical actuated element.
 12. The helical antenna assembly of claim 8, wherein the helical antenna element is formed of a shape-memory material.
 13. The helical antenna assembly of claim 12, wherein the shape memory material is copper-zinc-aluminum-nickel, copper-aluminum-nickel, or nickel-titanium.
 14. The helical antenna assembly of claim 8, wherein the outer shell is formed of a conductive material.
 15. The helical antenna assembly of claim 9, wherein the outer shell is configured to slideably move about the sleeve member in coaxial relation therewith.
 16. The helical antenna assembly of claim 8, further comprising a dielectric material disposed in an interior area defined by the helical antenna element.
 17. The helical antenna assembly of claim 8, further comprising an inner shell disposed within the outer shell and about the helical antenna element, the inner shell extending an entire length of the helical antenna element.
 18. The helical antenna assembly of claim 17, further comprising two longitudinally formed partitions that form a first channel and a second channel in a space between the outer shell and the inner shell.
 19. The helical antenna assembly of claim 8, further comprising a conducting ground plane, wherein the helical antenna element is backed by the conducting ground plane.
 20. The helical antenna assembly of claim 8, further comprising: a housing portion; and at least one further helical antenna element, wherein the helical antenna element and the at least one further helical antenna element are coupled to the housing portion and extend longitudinally from a distal end of the housing portion. 